President Donald Trump has made repeated assertions regarding the acquisition of Greenland, claiming that it is essential for U.S. national security. This perspective has been met with strong opposition from Greenlandic officials and NATO allies. At the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 19, 2024, Trump described the potential acquisition of the self-governing territory from Denmark as a “core national security interest” for the United States.
Following discussions with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Trump noted they had established “the framework of a future deal” concerning Greenland, though he did not elaborate on the specifics of this arrangement.
In his push for this ownership, Trump has made various claims about Denmark’s rights over Greenland, stating in conversations with global leaders that Denmark lacks a legal claim to the territory. He has also raised concerns about purported threats from China and Russia, suggesting that Denmark does little to defend Greenland.
Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims
One of Trump’s significant assertions is that Denmark has no legal rights to Greenland. In a text exchange with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, he stated, “Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China,” questioning Denmark’s ownership based on historical claims. This statement is inaccurate. Historical agreements and international court rulings confirm Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland. A declaration by the U.S. Secretary of State in 1916 recognized Danish control, and a 1933 ruling established Denmark’s valid claim to the entire island.
Academic expert Marc Jacobsen from the Royal Danish Defence College emphasized, “Danish expeditions reached and settled Greenland centuries ago. Since then, Denmark’s sovereignty has been internationally recognized.”
Another claim made by Trump involves the presence of Russian and Chinese naval forces near Greenland. During a press briefing on January 4, he stated that Greenland was “covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place.” However, these claims lack evidence. Greenland’s Minister of Business, Naaja Nathanielsen, indicated she was “not aware” of such vessels, and public ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic does not show any Russian or Chinese ships near the territory.
Experts have noted that Russian naval activity is primarily concentrated near Norway, while China’s involvement in the Arctic focuses on trade with Russia. Romain Chuffart, managing director of The Arctic Institute, asserted that Trump’s characterization of significant foreign naval presence around Greenland is unfounded.
Myth of Greenland’s Defense
Trump also made a controversial statement regarding Greenland’s defense capabilities, remarking, “Greenland basically, their defense is two dog sleds.” While this comment may have been intended humorously, it is misleading. The Danish military maintains a presence in Greenland that includes Arctic patrol vessels and surveillance aircraft. The Danish Ministry of Defense reports that approximately 150 personnel are stationed at a military base in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital.
Additionally, Denmark has allocated roughly $6.5 billion to modernize its military capabilities in the region over the next decade. The Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, which Trump referenced, is a specialized unit that employs dog sleds for patrolling remote areas, but this is only a part of Denmark’s broader military strategy in Greenland.
The U.S. already has an air base in Greenland and could expand its presence under a 1951 agreement with Denmark. While Danish officials have expressed openness to greater U.S. cooperation on security matters, they firmly assert that Greenland is not for sale.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding Greenland’s status and defense underscores the complexities of international relations in the Arctic region. As the situation develops, both U.S. and Danish officials will likely continue to address these claims and the broader implications for their respective countries.
